American Academy of Dermatology

What American Academy of Dermatology does

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is the largest dermatologic professional society in the United States, representing more than 21,800 board-certified dermatologists and operating as a 501(c)(6) non-profit headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, with a Washington, D.C. advocacy office. Founded in 1938, the organization functions as a membership association, continuing medical education provider, clinical standards-setter, and public health advocate. Its core product portfolio spans peer-reviewed publications (JAAD, JAAD International, JAAD Case Reports, Dermatology World), a suite of mobile applications (Meeting, Learning Center, Dialogues in Dermatology, Mohs), the DataDerm clinical data registry supporting MIPS quality reporting, the Find-a-Dermatologist patient directory, and a series of public health programs including SPOT Skin Cancer, Camp Discovery, Good Skin Knowledge, and Shade Structures grants.

The AAD's technology stack includes the DataDerm registry, mobile applications, telehealth platforms, and—most recently—AI-powered practice automation tools developed through a December 2025 strategic partnership with Bonsai Health. The organization publishes evidence-based clinical guidelines covering acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, and other conditions, with its April 2026 pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines marking the first such guidance in that subspecialty. Augmented Intelligence (AuI) is featured at AAD scientific meetings as a clinical decision-support category, though AAD does not develop AI models itself.

Revenue is generated through five streams: annual membership dues (subscription), meeting registration and corporate sponsorships (including Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy), advertising and exhibitor fees across publications and events, sales of publications and educational materials, and community grants/donations from corporate partners such as CeraVe Foundation. The organization serves four primary customer segments: board-certified dermatologists (members), patients and the general public, community health organizations, and healthcare industry partners (pharmaceutical and device companies). Members access CME education, clinical guidelines, practice management tools, coding assistance, teledermatology support, and advocacy representation; corporate partners access the dermatology market through exhibit and sponsorship opportunities at AAD meetings.

Name

American Academy of Dermatology

Legal name

American Academy of Dermatology Association

Website

https://aad.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1938

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest U.S. dermatologic professional society, serving over 21,800 board-certified dermatologists through peer-reviewed journals, clinical guidelines, annual scientific meetings, the DataDerm clinical registry, and public health programs including SPOT Skin Cancer and Good Skin Knowledge.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Medical Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

General & Medical Dermatology (HLAKACAA)

Keywords

• Professional dermatology society
• Continuing medical education
• Clinical practice guidelines
• Peer-reviewed dermatology journals
• Skin cancer public health

Headquarters

HQ city

Rosamond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from dermatologists who join the AAD for professional development, resources, and advocacy representation
2. Meeting Registration and Sponsorships: Revenue from annual scientific meetings including the Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy, including exhibitor fees, registration fees, and corporate sponsorships
3. Advertising and Exhibits: Advertising opportunities across AAD publications, websites, and events; exhibitor booth space at scientific meetings
4. Publications and Educational Materials: Sale of clinical publications, coding resources, and educational materials including JAAD journals and dermatology curricula
5. Community Grants and Donations: Grants from corporate partners and donations to support public health programs like Good Skin Knowledge and skin cancer awareness initiatives

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The American Academy of Dermatology operates as a non-profit professional membership organization serving over 21,800 board-certified dermatologists through peer-reviewed publications (JAAD, JAAD International, JAAD Case Reports, Dermatology World), clinical practice guidelines, continuing medical education, the DataDerm clinical registry, mobile applications, major scientific meetings (Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy), and advocacy representation. The organization also delivers public health programs including SPOT Skin Cancer, Camp Discovery, Good Skin Knowledge youth education, and Shade Structure grants, alongside public-facing tools such as Find-a-Dermatologist.

Product overview

The American Academy of Dermatology operates as a professional membership organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services for dermatologists. The core offerings include peer-reviewed publications (JAAD, JAAD International, JAAD Case Reports, Dermatology World), mobile applications for clinical reference and education (Academy Meeting App, Learning Center App, Dialogues in Dermatology App, Mohs App), and DataDerm—their clinical registry supporting quality reporting and research. The AAD also provides public health programs (Good Skin Knowledge youth education, SPOT Skin Cancer screenings, Camp Discovery, Shade Structures grants) and major educational events (Annual Meeting and Innovation Academy). Additional resources include clinical practice guidelines, coding resources, MIPS quality measures, and teledermatology support. The organization functions as a platform serving both member dermatologists and the public through educational content, practice management tools, and community health initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• JAAD (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology) Peer-reviewed clinical journal designed to meet the continuing education needs of the dermatologic community, covering clinical research, case studies, and clinical guidelines.
• JAAD International Open access journal serving the international dermatology community, providing free access to dermatologic research and clinical insights worldwide.
• JAAD Case Reports Peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing clinical case reports, allowing dermatologists to share unique patient cases and diagnostic insights.
• Dermatology World Monthly publication covering top stories in dermatology, featuring news, clinical updates, and practice management insights for AAD members.
• DermWorld Insights & Inquiries Publication offering perspectives on current dermatologic literature, designed to be used in clinical practice.
• Derm Coding Consult Coding resource providing practical guidance on coding issues common in dermatology practices, including ICD-10-CM, E/M coding, and surgical/procedural coding.
• DataDerm AAD's clinical data registry that enables dermatologists to track patient outcomes, participate in quality reporting programs (MIPS), and contribute to dermatology research through real-world data collection.
• Find-a-Dermatologist Public directory tool allowing patients to search for board-certified dermatologists by location, condition, and procedure to find appropriate care.
• Good Skin Knowledge Youth education program teaching children ages 8-13 about common skin, hair, and nail conditions through free lesson plans and activities available in English and Spanish.
• SPOT Skin Cancer Skin cancer awareness and screening program providing free skin cancer screenings and educational resources to communities nationwide.
• Camp Discovery Summer camp program for children with chronic skin conditions, providing a supportive environment for kids to enjoy camp activities while managing their skin health.
• Shade Structures Grant Program Grant program providing funding to communities to build shade structures at outdoor recreational facilities to reduce UV exposure and skin cancer risk.
• AAD Teledermatology Program Teledermatology program supporting dermatologists in providing remote patient consultations, improving access to dermatologic care especially in underserved areas.
• AAD Annual Meeting Major annual scientific conference bringing together dermatologists worldwide for continuing medical education, research presentations, and networking.
• AAD Innovation Academy Innovation-focused meeting showcasing groundbreaking advancements and latest research in dermatology.
• Clinical Practice Guidelines Evidence-based clinical guidelines covering dermatologic conditions including acne, actinic keratosis, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, psoriasis, and office-based surgery.
• MIPS Quality Measures Quality measures developed by AAD to help dermatology practices meet MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) reporting requirements, including specialty-specific measures for dermatology.
• Academy Meeting App Mobile application for AAD meetings, providing attendees with schedules, session information, and networking features.
• AAD Learning Center App Mobile application for accessing AAD's professional education content and continuing medical education (CME) materials on-the-go.
• Dialogues in Dermatology App Mobile application for the Dialogues in Dermatology educational program, providing audio-based dermatology education.
• Mohs App Mobile application supporting Mohs micrographic surgery, providing clinical resources and reference materials for dermatologic surgeons.

Quantifiable outcome

• 16 million Americans reached through skin cancer awareness messaging about sunscreen misinformation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, minor and core.

• Arcutis BiotherapeuticssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 April 2026AAD clinical practice guidelines issued strong recommendation for Arcutis' Zoryve cream for pediatric atopic dermatitis, with 0.05% formulation for ages 2-5 and 0.15% for ages 6+.
• National Association of Free & Charitable ClinicssupportingOthers · 27 March 2026$20,000 grant to support free dermatology and wound care telehealth services at a clinic founded by a Carle Illinois College of Medicine student, expanding free care across Central Illinois.
• CeraVe FoundationsupportingOthers · 27 March 2026$20,000 grant to support free dermatology and wound care telehealth services, enabling implementation of telehealth, comprehensive skin examinations, and skin cancer screening efforts.
• The Christie FoundationminorOthers · 27 March 2026Supplementary funding of $15,000 alongside Copper Creek Church, McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church, American Academy of Dermatology, and private donors to sustain clinic operations.
• Skin of Color Society (SOCS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Joint presentation of SOCS 22nd Annual Scientific Symposium at AAD Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Nearly 500 attendees from 13 countries participated in scientific presentations, panels, and keynote sessions including former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin.
• Bonsai HealthcoreTechnology or Integration · 22 December 2025Strategic partnership to develop AI-powered practice automation for dermatology clinics. The initiative aims to streamline workflows, reduce administrative workload, and improve patient scheduling and follow-up through automation technology.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Osteopathic Association: AOA is a national professional association for osteopathic physicians with similar structure—membership, continuing medical education, specialty college oversight, advocacy, and publications. It serves as a parallel non-profit physician membership organization model.
• American Academy of Family Physicians: AAFP is a specialty-specific medical professional association serving family physicians. It mirrors AAD's structure—membership dues, CME, clinical guidelines, advocacy, annual meetings—and represents the closest direct comparable in operating model for a single-specialty society.
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: AAOS is the leading orthopedic specialty society with comparable structure—membership society, peer-reviewed journal (JAAOS), clinical guidelines, annual meeting, advocacy, and practice management resources. It operates as a direct analogue of AAD in a different clinical specialty.
• American Psychiatric Association: APA is the psychiatric specialty society with parallel offerings including American Journal of Psychiatry, DSM standards, practice guidelines, and annual meeting. It is highly comparable in non-profit specialty society structure and clinical authority model.
• American Academy of Pediatrics: AAP represents pediatricians with a comparable product portfolio including Pediatrics journal, Bright Futures guidelines, public health campaigns, and strong advocacy. It is structurally similar to AAD across membership, publications, and policy engagement.
• American College of Surgeons: ACS is a surgical specialty society with comparable offerings—JACS journal, clinical guidelines, CME, advocacy, and a high-profile annual Clinical Congress. It represents a parallel single-specialty society model with similar revenue diversification.
• American College of Physicians: ACP is the largest medical specialty society in the US, representing internal medicine physicians. It operates with a nearly identical playbook—peer-reviewed journals (Annals of Internal Medicine), clinical guidelines, MOC resources, advocacy, and annual scientific meetings.

Emerging players

• Skin of Color Society: SOCS is a smaller, emerging dermatology-focused society that co-located its 22nd Annual Scientific Symposium with AAD's 2026 Annual Meeting. It addresses skin-of-color dermatology specifically and represents both a niche competitor and collaboration partner within the dermatology ecosystem.
• Society for Investigative Dermatology: SID publishes the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and focuses on dermatology research. It is an emerging/specialized player that intersects with AAD's research and publication interests, particularly around translational dermatology science.

Broad incumbents

• American Medical Association: The AMA is the largest US physician membership association, representing doctors across all specialties. While broader than AAD, it competes for member attention, CME dollars, and advocacy bandwidth, and serves as a comparable non-profit medical society model with similar revenue mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aadskin
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AcademyofDermatology
• Facebookfacebook.com/aadskin
• Instagraminstagram.com/aadskin1
• TikToktiktok.com/@aadskin
• Pinterestpinterest.com/aadskin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-academy-of-dermatology

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American Academy of Dermatology